Inside Robert Okubo’s Journey From Culture Shock to Building a Cleaning Empire in the US and Kenya

Kenyan entrepreneur Robert Okubo is the founder of 200 Degrees, a successful cleaning company operating in Washington, DC, and Nairobi, which he established in 2002 after an unexpected turn of events derailed his original business plans in the United States.

Okubo’s journey to entrepreneurship was marked by culture shock, financial difficulties and determination to succeed. Born in the United Kingdom in 1969, he was raised in Kenya after his family relocated to the country in the early 1970s. His father hailed from Busia County, while his mother was from Trinidad and Tobago.

He attended several schools, including Victoria Primary School, St Mary’s, Upper Hill and Maranda High School.

In 1987, following his parents’ divorce, Okubo relocated to Maryland in the United States. However, life in America proved more difficult than he had anticipated. After experiencing severe culture shock and struggling to secure employment, he returned to Kenya five years later.

Back home, he secured a job at a travel agency, where he developed an interest in the tourism industry. He subsequently established Johnny Be Good Safaris, a travel company that organised trips for Kenyans who wanted to explore destinations across the country through flexible instalment payments.

In 2002, he travelled back to America to market Kenya as a tourist destination and attract international clients. However, the 2002 Paradise Hotel terrorist attack in Mombasa negatively affected Kenya’s tourism image, leaving him struggling to find business.

He approached his brother for assistance and was encouraged to seek employment at Stanley Steemer, an American cleaning company.

While working there, Okubo discovered modern cleaning technologies and specialised equipment that were largely unfamiliar to him in East Africa. Inspired by the opportunity, he decided to establish his own cleaning business.

He founded 200 Degrees in Washington, DC, specialising in carpet, mattress, upholstery, vehicle and building cleaning.

The company later expanded its operations to Kenya, serving businesses, government institutions and private organisations.

Today, 200 Degrees has more than 30 employees and is looking to expand into additional Kenyan towns and international markets. Okubo has also been featured by Forbes, highlighting his remarkable entrepreneurial journey.